Menard resigns as Manlius president

MANLIUS — Manlius Village President Gene Menard walked out of Tuesday’s board meeting and submitted his letter of resignation.

“I just threw up my hands,” Menard said Wednesday. “I’m done with it.”

Menard said the board has been arguing for about a year about a request from resident Tammy Benson to increase the number of liquor licenses within the village from the current two licenses to three licenses.

Menard said the issue has been on the agenda many times and had failed twice — most recently in December for the lack of a second.

Menard said he was asked in January to put the issue on the agenda for the February meeting, and he decided not to do it.

“Why should we continue to put it on the agenda?” he said. “It sets a precedent for anybody who doesn’t like how a vote goes.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, Menard said he was asked by Trustee Jan Williams why he didn’t put it on the agenda. He said he had a moral objection to having another establishment serving liquor in town, and that 99 residents had signed a petition against the new liquor license.

“I think we need to listen to what they have to say,” he said.

After explaining his reasoning, Menard said he had enough.

“I got tired of the personal attacks,” he said. “I said, ‘I’m going to make it very easy for you; deal with it yourself.’”

Menard got up and walked out and turned his keys in later that evening. He said he was told the meeting was not adjourned but recessed until a later date.

Menard had announced previously he would not run for re-election in April but said he had wished he would be able to complete his term.

“I thought I could get another couple of months,” he said. “But I’m walking out with a clear conscience.”